Ex-League of Ireland players urged to avail of free health checks

Fergus McDaid (front) following his “check” from Dr Alan Byrne (Medical Director of Advanced Medical Services, back centre) at the launch of the Irish Professional Footballers Benevolent Association-Advanced Medical Services’ ‘Watch Your House - And Your Health!’ screening programme for ex-players that takes place in the Shamrock Lodge Hotel, Athlone on January 8, 9, 15 and 16, 2026. From left, Mary Good (Managing Director of Advanced Medical Services), Harry McCue (IPFBA chairperson), Jimmy Nodwell, Pat Byrne, Ed Donovan (CEO Advanced Medical Services) and Martin Lawlor (IPFBA secretary).

The Irish Professional Footballers Benevolent Association (IPFBA) and leading healthcare company Advanced Medical Services (AMS) have teamed up in a ground-breaking initiative to protect and enhance the wellbeing of former Irish-based football players.

Next month will see the IPFBA and AMS combine to offer FREE health screening for 100 retired footballers - male and female - in Athlone on Thursday, January 8; Friday, January 9; Thursday, January 15 and Friday, January 16, 2026.

Cork-based company AMS will provide the medical personnel and expertise for the four days of screening at The Shamrock Lodge Hotel, Athlone and the IPFBA is urging its ex-League of Ireland members to register for the 20-minute check that will cover all aspects of their health.

Advanced Medical Services has a strong presence in the Irish healthcare system, working across all sectors, private and public, including corporate; SME’s; Hospitals; Health Insurance; Schools & major sporting organisations.

Now, this new joint-venture will see retired Irish footballers of all ages undergo the tests with the IPFBA covering the entire budget of the four days.

“This is a historic move by the IPFBA and allows retired players to undergo the health screening that they may have been putting off for one reason or another,” stated IPFBA chairperson Harry McCue.

“I passionately urge all of our members to register for the tests.” IPFBA secretary Martin Lawlor is delighted with this significant development by the organisation that has raised more than €70,000 since its launch in February 2024 with these financial assets now funding ‘Watch Your House - And Your Health!’.

“This screening programme carried out in conjunction with Advanced Medical Services is the very essence of why we established the IPFBA,” explained Martin Lawlor.

“How many people, especially men, postpone trips to their doctor and sadly potentially fail to diagnose medical issues that need to be addressed? This initiative offers the players the perfect opportunity to get these vital medical tests.” 

Advanced Medical Services’ medical director, Dr Alan Byrne - who is also active in a voluntary capacity with the IPFBA - stresses the huge benefits of the scheme’s roll-out.

“As part of this preventive health screening initiative we will ask the members to complete a lifestyle and mental health questionnaire along with blood pressure and BMI measurement,” explained Dr Alan Byrne.

“They will have a resting ECG (electrocardiogram) and a comprehensive blood panel including cholesterol, blood sugar, liver and renal profile, full blood count, thyroid function and prostate specific antigen.

“The screening results will be reviewed by a consultant cardiologist and the clinical director of AMS and reported confidentially to each member with specific recommendations when indicated.

“The screening results will, I hope, encourage the members to engage with their GPs. The primary aim of this programme is prevention “ Mary Good, AMS managing director, is delighted that the company is linking up with the IPFBA.

“This new screening programme allows Advanced Medical Services’ proven expertise to help another cohort of Irish sports’ people at a crucial time of their lives,” said Mary Good.

AMS CEO Ed Donovan is equally enthusiastic about the new programme that will be extended in the future if demand dictates.

“Advanced Medical Services is honoured to forge this new relationship with the IPFBA and to extend our strong partnership with the Irish sporting world,” stated Ed Donovan.

• Former League of Ireland players (male and female), ex-Ireland senior internationals (male and female) and ex-women footballers who played for senior clubs prior to the establishment of the Women’s League of Ireland are invited to apply for a screening slot at the forthcoming four days in January, 2026 at the Shamrock Lodge Hotel in Athlone.

• They can do so by emailing [e-mail] to receive the QR Code that facilitates access to the AMS booking system.